Convocation ceremony Monday at war college

The U.S. Naval War College will pay tribute to its newest class of 545 resident students from the U.S. armed forces, civilian federal agencies and international militaries in a convocation ceremony scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, in Spruance Hall Auditorium.

The convocation formally assembles the college community to start the academic year and includes a faculty procession in academic regalia as well as a historical overview of the college’s contributions.

The arrival of the college’s newest students marks a nearly 129- year tradition of educating military and government officials in Newport. The college’s academic mission is to educate and develop leaders, and also to strengthen global maritime partnerships.

Only about half of the school’s new students are naval officers. The other half of the student body comes from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army, in addition to 88 students from 57 international navies. Students also include federal employees from the CIA, National Security Agency, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and Defense Intelligence Agency.

During the ceremony, the college’s 2013 Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award will be presented to Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, deputy commander, U.S. Central Command. The award is presented to graduates whose career accomplishments clearly serve as an inspiration to students.